Gray-collared Chipmunk

activity

Activity patterns. The Gray-collared Chipmunk is diurnal and active from March to November. During winter it remains in the nest, which is constructed underground beneath stones, in hollows of trees, woodpecker cavities, under logs, stumps or tree roots. It may hibernate, but sometimes only enters torpor for a short amount of time, or may even stay active during winter, feeding on cached food. It comes above ground to forage during warm periods of winter.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. High elevation (c. 1950 - 3440 m) forests of Pinaceae: pine (Pinus), fir (Abies), and spruce (Picea). The Gray-collared Chipmunk occurs mostly in forest edges and areas at ¢. 2100 - 3300 m. In the lower elevations, it occurs in areas with pines, Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinaceae) or oak-juniper (Quercus, Fagaceae; Juniperus, Cupressaceae) vegetation. It appears to prefer areas with fallen logs and wood debris.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. Population density was estimated at 5 ind / ha in a second growth pine forest in May, but reached 12 - 5 ind / ha in August due to young of the year. Vocalization of the Gray-collared Chipmunk is loud and sharp, described as a shrill rapid “ chip ” when it is alarmed. When not alarmed, it can sit on logs or stumps and emit a mellow “ chuck ” sound, while flicking tail side-to-side. It has a positive response to modest forest thinning, but negative response to heavy thinning and to fire, although it can persist in moderately burned areas. It is also less common in areas where the Cliff Chipmunk (7. dorsalis) is abundant.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. Females produce onelitter a year, between April and June. Gestation lasts ¢. 30 days and litter size is 4 - 6 young, with an average offive. Lactation lasts 41 - 45 days and by October young are nearly fully grown.

Sciuridae